Quote:
Originally Posted by eurovanman
I agree in that there is no place to hang out in the 59k. I only use my bed to sleep in and don't want to sit in bed all day. In my apartment I have a sofa bed because I think normal beds take up too much space. This problem is multiplied in a class B. I don't get these vans with the twin beds in back and no normal seating besides the two chassis seats. I much prefer the dinette in the 59g, or a rear sofa bed in the sprinters. The least important thing to me is the beds, but I am able to sleep on anything. I want space to sit - not in bed.
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I guess that kinda defines the saying “different strokes for different folks”,
I hated my ERA 70a with rear beds and tiny “skinny” bath. Yea it had a small bench seat behind the driver seat (which swivel with passenger to create a seating area - if you can call it that, it was tight and portable table was useless anyway.)
I had a 2017 Winnebago ERA 70a (which had the rear twin bed also convertible to larger bed). I like the twin setup - easily to climb out of than when full.
I hated my bathroom setup in the WB 70a. Also at almost 24’ it was still pretty big when parking (sticks out in most spots in parking lots). So I wanted shorter van and larger bath (at least where you stand in shower), 70a very narrow.
So recently I took the hit and traded in my 2017 ERA 70a on a 2019 Travato 59k.
I am much happier with the use of space. The rear bath (still a wet bath) but has a lot more room in it for shower. I like the twin beds better with the isle all the way between them - easy egress to to bathroom -(btw they can still be made into one large bed - but I never do that since I pref the ease of use getting in or out of the single.)
And I like the open floor plan & lots of windows in the Travato. The ERA was kinda narrow inside like in a submarine. It’s a matter of preference. Quality wise on the cabinets and build is same - both by Winnebago. Both have 200w solar packages.
The fridge is smaller than the ERA but I haven’t missed it. And I actually prefer the compressor type how it is always the exact same temperature. My ammonia 3 way would swing some depends on outside temps.
My Travato is just shy of 21’ which I find has made it much easier on fitting in parking spaces.
My only regret is the promaster gas 3.7 doesn’t have as good of torque as my diesel sprinter had (it down shifts a lot on hills where the sprinter would just power through). Fuel economy is also slightly less. Being honest with my drive style, I got an overall average mpg of 16/17 in my sprinter and now same speeds and style I get 14/15 with Travato.
I’m curious about the promaster diesel and how it performs.
Regarding the generator. I much prefer the gas one in my Travato over the propane one in the ERA.
I like the convenience of just filling the van gas tank to fuel the generator, not worry about finding a propane fueling station. Also I think the gas one is slightly more fuel efficient.
Although 2 years older The value of my ERA was probably about the same as the Travato. The whole transaction cost me just over $6k to swap.
And longevity wise, I suspect the ERA will hold value higher and longer than the Travato.
Was it a smart move? Value wise maybe not so much.
But I was not happy with the ERA so comfort wise the answer is yes.
I am a much happier camper now!
In the end, my happiness trumped the decision.
It was a $6k+ lesson for me (more after taxes and new registration costs). But what is the price of happiness? I’m old and you can’t take it with you when you check out! LOL
Sorry for the long story - the sleeping arrangement was an important consideration in my choices. I really like the Travato 59k layout. (I considered the leisure travel Wonder with front beds also).
In any case this is not my first venture in RV’s I have had 3 different travel trailers 1 being a 5th wheel toy hauler, I much prefer the smaller van life and ease of use.
I just thought I would share my opinion on these.
I enjoyed reading your reasons for making the switch! Congrats! Would have really sucked if you had regrets.
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